A mini design challenge…
Despite a focus on things that are technical and hi-tech, we at Blood Red do like things that are done the old school way. We like using our hands, our tools, and organic materials. That’s why we jumped at the custom trophy design opportunity for our Hong Kong sailing friends and their club regattas. We wanted to bump up the standard from the usual silver-plated cups and fancy crystal ware. We wanted to create trophies that were unique. Trophies that are more obviously relevant to the sailing classes that the trophies represent.
First, we stepped up to the drawing board to the draft trophies. The brief: contemporary, hi-tech, and old school, rolled into one. We enjoyed re-creating scenes that were typical of the action-packed hours on the water. To commemorate the specific events, different designs were created to adorn the faces of the trophies. Each design reflects the excitement of each sail racing category.
…and a collaboration.
Next for our custom trophy design, we needed something solid for the trophy’s body. We turned to sculptor James Doran-Webb for some collaboration. James’ work graces stately private gardens, and he exhibits his sculptures at London’s Chelsea Flower Show every year. Jim, as we call him, is an old friend and a Blood Red field tester.
So, Jim agreed we should use unique, ethically sourced, long-dead hardwood. Artisans from Jim’s studio meticulously handpicked, shaped, and finished each piece by hand. Jim himself oversaw this process. That’s him in the video, wearing our well-worn Peanut Butter swim shorts. (Who else wears swim shorts to work?!) The trophies were cut and sorted, then they were laser-etched with the action-packed scenes created by Blood Red’s design team. Lastly, we then gave the trophies a final polish to make them ready for awards night.
We’ve been doing this collaboration for the last 5 years. Winners from past events such as the Asian Open Regatta and can attest to how unique and special these trophies are.
Blood Red again designed trophies for Lantau Boat Club’s Asian Open Regatta last October. The exclusively-designed trophies were awarded to the top 3 finishers in each sailing category. There were 4 categories—Hobie 16’s, Formula Division, Open Division, and Island Race. Each trophy is truly a prize and memento of the event. It’s a worthy attention-grabber on any mantelpiece.
If you want to read up on the action at one of these regattas, here’s a report from the LBC Asian Open Regatta. See if you can spot our custom trophies too.